Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Superconductor Power Terminations

The Role

We are seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to own the manufacturing strategy for our termination assembly, a critical high-power component in our system. You will identify and develop a contract manufacturing (CM) partner, optimize the design for manufacturability, and build the quality and test infrastructure needed to scale from pilot builds to full production.

This is a hands-on, high-visibility role for someone who thrives at the intersection of design engineering, supplier development, and quality systems, with a strong track record in contract manufacturing for high-power electrical or electromechanical assemblies.

What You'll Do

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard a contract manufacturer capable of producing the termination assembly at the required cost, quality, and volume.
• Partner with the CM and our internal engineering team to optimize the termination assembly design for manufacturability, cost, and lead time (DFM/DFA).
• Define and implement a quality strategy for the assembly, including incoming material inspection/qualification and finished-assembly test and qualification plans, to remove risk before the product ships.
• Establish in-process inspection at the CM: define inspection points and sampling plans, measurement/gauging methods, and first-article inspection (FAI) requirements, and audit the CM's adherence and inspection records.
• Develop test protocols appropriate for a high-power termination assembly (e.g., dielectric/hi-pot testing, torque/connection integrity, thermal cycling, contact resistance) to validate performance and safety.
• Lead pilot builds at the CM, driving root-cause resolution of build and process issues and feeding learnings back into design and work instructions.
• Build out the production process plan (routers, work instructions, fixturing/tooling strategy) in collaboration with the CM.
• Drive continuous improvement across pilot and early production builds toward the lowest sustainable cost, shortest lead time, and highest quality steady-state production design.
• Manage the ongoing CM relationship: capability assessment, quoting/negotiation support, capacity planning, and issue escalation/resolution.
• Interface with supply chain to qualify critical component and raw material suppliers feeding the termination assembly.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation: BOMs, process flow diagrams, inspection plans, and non-conformance/CAPA processes.
• Own the non-conformance loop with the CM: run Material Review Board (MRB) dispositions (use-as-is, rework, repair, scrap) and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to closure, including verification of effectiveness.

What You'll Bring

• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, including direct experience selecting, onboarding, and managing contract manufacturers for complex electromechanical or high-power assemblies.
• Strong background in DFM/DFA for high-power systems (e.g., busbars, connectors, terminations, cable assemblies, power distribution hardware).
• Experience developing incoming inspection and final test/qualification plans for electrical or electromechanical assemblies.
• Track record of leading successful pilot builds and transitioning designs into scalable, cost-optimized production at a CM.
• Solid understanding of GD&T, root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, fishbone), and process control methods (SPC, FMEA).
• Hands-on experience standing up in-process inspection, chairing MRB dispositions, and driving CAPA/8D investigations at a contract manufacturer.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills, with experience running CM RFQs/RFPs and performance scorecards.
• Ability to travel to CM/supplier sites as needed.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

Nice To Have

• Experience with cryogenic systems or components.
• Experience with pressure vessel design, fabrication, or qualification (e.g., ASME Section VIII).
• Experience with data center or critical power infrastructure hardware.
• Familiarity with high-voltage/high-current safety standards and testing (e.g., IEC, UL, or similar).

Pay and benefits

VEIR is committed to equal pay for equal work in its compensation practices. The base salary range for this position in the U.S. is $120,000 - $140,000 per year + equity + benefits. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications, job level, supervisory status, and location.

Benefits & Perks

Healthcare coverage with 100% employer paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Program
• 12 Company Holidays + unmetered PTO
• 12 Weeks 100% Paid Parental Leave for all new parents
• Stock Options
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• Regular teambuilding, off-sites, and lunch & learns